New Delhi: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka are scheduled to appear before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) at 2 pm on Monday as their five-day judicial custody in the Jantar Mantar trespassing case comes to an end.
Ratna Singh, CJP’s head of legal affairs, said the two leaders would be produced before the magistrate after their custody expires. She also expressed hope that the proceedings would not face further delays.
In a post on X, Singh raised concerns over alleged difficulties during the process, referring to an investigating officer being unreachable, threatening messages, a late hearing and an alleged tyre puncture that could prevent the leaders from being produced on time. She also referred to the possibility of “orders from above”.
CJP leaders detained over Jantar Mantar protest
Das and Ranka were sent to five-day judicial custody on October 14 by a Special Executive Magistrate after being detained in connection with alleged trespassing at Jantar Mantar. The site had been de-notified as a designated protest venue.
The two leaders, along with CJP member Ajinkya Shinde, were among 14 people detained on October 13. Police alleged that the group entered the protest site through private premises and obstructed officers from performing their official duties.
Delhi Police said the custody order was passed because of alleged repeated violations of the law. It also cited concerns that the leaders could repeat such actions or encourage others to do so if released.
Shinde was released on a personal bond and directed to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months.
The CJP members had been protesting against the Election Commission of India over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. During the protest, they raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
CJP lawyer questions custody order
Earlier, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with Das and Ranka, had been released in connection with the October 10 protest after furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000. Their release was subject to a condition that they would not be involved in any breach-of-peace cases for one year.
Advocate Abhisht Hela, who is representing the CJP leaders, had questioned the decision to send Das and Ranka to judicial custody. He alleged that the authorities had disregarded the law laid down by the Supreme Court and that the order was passed without proper application of judicial mind.
The case comes amid restrictions on protests at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police said the site was de-notified as a designated protest venue on October 12 under new guidelines issued through Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026.
Under the revised arrangements, Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi were designated as alternative venues for protests.
The proceedings before the SEM on Monday will determine the next step in the case as the leaders’ five-day custody period ends.